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Saturday, February 23, 2008

A Tale of Two Challenges

There are many things I'm not good at, but handwriting is not one of them. I've been a geek about "pretty" handwriting since elementary school, when the dots of my "i"s were either big circles or flowers (lol!). So this week's Limited Supplies Challenge on Splitcoast, which was to use handwriting on the front of your card, was perfect for me! Except for that "limited" part. My design took on a life of its own and as a result, I can't find a single limited thing about it. So I traded the handwriting for a stamped sentiment and bailed on the challenge altogether.

I was much more successful with Sharon Johnson's (No Time To Stamp) Stamp Simply Challenge #23, which is to use flourishes on your project. I made this card last weekend, but haven't posted it yet because I keep looking at it wondering if it needs something. I think I'm ready to call it done and move on :)

Here's a great tip I got from someone's blog (by the way, for the life of me, I can't remember where I read this, so if it was on your blog, please speak up): when making cards with white as the base, use Papertrey Ink's 110-pound Stamper's Select cardstock. It is thick and heavy enough to load up with embellishments without the card buckling under the weight. It's also works well with Stampin' Up markers (no streaking) and limited watercoloring (for extensive watercoloring, I still reach for 140-lb, cold press watercolor paper).

Oops, forgot to comment on your little birdie card -- thought it was in a different post -- I LOVE it -- those birds are just the cutest, love your layout and that is probably my most favorite of the new papers -- great job!!!

Both cards are just stunning Amy! LOVE the beautiful stitching on the first card with all of the pretty different paper. The second card is just gorgeous, LOVE all the pretty ribbon and flourishes along with the pretty butterfly! I don't have this set yet, but I just might have to order it now! :)

I love both of these cards! Using my handwriting on my cards scares the tar out of me too! There is a reason why I buy stamps! :D Anyway, great color choices on both of these cards! I love the paper piecing that you did on the first card and I love the scalloped edge that you did on the second! Wonderful job!

I love the look of your cards Amy! I have enjoyed being a subscriber to your blog! The first card is darling with the little birds. On the other one I think it is simply beautiful! Thank you for your inspiration!